SOFIA is shown being rinsed off, so scientists can check for interior leaks.

Infrared wavelengths cannot be seen by the human eye. By using an Infrared telescope, we can see space more in depth.

SOFIA's mobility can keep her in the air, above water vapor, so that the infrared wavelengths are not disturbed by the moisture.

By using this system, NASA discovered a cluster of newborn stars in a giant cloud of gas 6,400 light years from Earth.

SOFIA image of the Milky Way's Galaxy Nucleus in Infrared.

Image of the Milky Way Galaxy without Infrared.

SOFIA image of the G35 protostar.

SOFIA image of the Milky Way's Galaxy Nucleus in Infrared.

Image of the Milky Way Galaxy without Infrared.

SOFIA image of the G35 protostar.

Tech Specs

SOFIA is based on a Boeing 747SP aircraft.

It is modified to include a large door in the aft fuselage that can be opened in flight for the telescope.

The telescope is designed to make observations at altitudes of about 41,000 feet.

At the aircraft's cruising altitude, 85% of the full infrared range will be available.

Being on an aircraft gives SOFIA the ability to observe constellations in the Northern and Southern hemisphere.

JULY 18, 2013

SOFIA was based in New Zealand for two weeks, taking advantage of the Southern Hemisphere's orientation to study galaxies that are difficult/impossible to see in the Northern Hemisphere. They are scheduled to execute as many as nine research flights through August 1.